Kuhl’s Interceptr Jacket is an attractive mid-weight layer that can be worn on its own or under a shell.
Kuhl has very functional and well-designed products which we’re familiar with (Tom owns several of their shorts and a hat).
So we were happy to get a chance to review the Interceptr Jacket in addition to a pair of Konfidant Air for him and a Vara Hoody for me.
Appearance & Fit
We look for performance clothing that can do double-duty for hiking and travel. Our general criteria is “can it go from trail to pub?”. Many Kuhl products fit that bill, managing a blend of “performance” with “casual”.
The Interceptr comes in several solid and two-toned deep earthy colors, with contrasting stitching.
Tom chose the Interceptr in “olive” which almost looks more like a stylish sweater than a fleece, and works as well with jeans as it does with hiking pants.
It has an athletic fit that contours the body, but not in an overly tight skinny-jean kinda way.
However, someone with a very muscular build (or a bit of a belly from too much post-hike ice cream or beer) might need to go up a size so it’s not too snug.
The Interceptr also comes in two other styles: 1/4-zip and vest.
Related: Kuhl’s Renegade Pant | Kuhl’s Konfidant Air Pant | Kuhl’s Klash Pant
The Specs
- Made of Alfpaca Gold™ fleece that is wicking and quick-drying.
- Breathable side panels prevent overheating and reduce bulk.
- Super-soft fleece lined collar.
- Two large hand warmer pockets and two chest pockets, all with zippers.
The sleeves are articulated for a range of motion and have thumb holes to provide a little extra coverage.
Thumb thingies seem silly until you get a shirt or jacket with them… and then you won’t want to go without.
There are two ample chest pockets on the outside but no inner chest pocket, something Tom prefers.
Related: Gifts for Hikers | Hiking Clothing | Hiking Footwear
Performance
We had a snow storm before even getting a chance to trail test the Interceptr, so Tom threw it on under his rain shell to shovel in cold, sleety conditions.
It kept him warm in 20-degree weather and the articulated sleeves allowed plenty of motion and weren’t tight around the elbows.
On the trail, the Interceptr also performed well using it as a stand-alone layer over just a wicking t-shirt. So it’s good for shoulder-seasons on its own, or as a layer in colder weather.
Tom is getting bonus use out of the Interceptr as it’s now his go-to fleece for wearing around our somehow-always-chilly house.
Overall
Kuhl’s Interceptr Jacket packs comfort and performance into an attractive jacket.
Update 11/2024: Both Interceptrs are still in good shape and used constantly. The original for over seven years.
Update 11/2022: Both are still holding up fine. Tom has been using the older olive for hiking and saves the newer black for casual use.
Update 11/2020: The original is still going strong but he uses it so much he decided to get another and ordered the full zip in black which is quite sharp looking.
Update 12/2017: Tom uses this constantly, as much as a casual jacket as a performance hiking piece.
The fit is incredibly flattering and even manages to mask a little gut if you’ve been indulging in too much post-hike ice cream.
On an odd side-note, we were recently standing in line behind a guy wearing one in another color and it looked great on him too.
Disclaimer: Kühl provided a complimentary jacket for review, but did not provide compensation or exercise control over the content of this post.
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Updated: 11/2023, 11/2022, 12/2020, 12/2017. Original review: 3/28/17.